Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome
At Special Paws, we believe every dog deserves a second chance, especially those facing unique challenges.
We're dedicated to their rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming, providing them with the love and specialized care they truly deserve.
Permanent Paws (Residents)
Some of our beloved furry friends have found their forever home right here at Special Paws. These are dogs who, due to their specific needs or extensive rehabilitation, will live out their lives in our loving care. While they aren’t available for adoption, you can still play a vital role in their well-being by sponsoring them! Your support ensures they receive continuous love, specialized medical care, and everything they need for a comfortable, happy life.
Meet Our Pawsome Pack!
Tail-Wagging Wins !!
They came, they sat, now they are loved forever. Here are the champs who traded Special Paws for couches and never looked back. Every adoption opens space, funds the next vet visit, and helps us Rescue • Rehabilitate • Rehome the next Paw.
Got a Special Paws alum? Send us your glow-up pics and we’ll feature your happy tail.
Want to be the next success story? Meet our adoptables above and start your application.
Sponsor a Paw Monthly
Become a monthly sponsor and directly impact the life of a specific dog. Your ongoing support provides them with consistent food, medical care, and love. As a valued sponsor, you’ll receive:
Personalised Updates: Exclusive birthday, Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day messages and photos directly from your sponsored dog!
Sponsor Wall of Fame: See your name (or your chosen dedication) proudly displayed on our “Sponsor Wall of Fame” on our website.
Exclusive Merchandise: For each full year of sponsorship, receive a personalized post and a piece of Special Paws merchandise (T-shirt, hoodie, cap, or mug) featuring photos of your sponsored dog(s)!
Meet the Team
CaitLee
Founder
Special Paws Sanctuary
Alize Van Wyk
Trainer
Passionate team that reunite lost dogs with their owners through search, track and retrieve efforts.
Adoption
The Journey Home: Our Adoption Process
Ready to open your heart and home to a Special Paws dog? We're here to guide you every step of the way to ensure a paw-fect match for both you and your new family member.
Application: Start your journey by completing our online adoption application. This helps us understand your lifestyle, experience, and what you're looking for in a companion, so we can help find the perfect match.
Home check: Once your application has been approved one of our volunteers will contact you for arrangements for an in-person home check
Agreement: If your home check is approved and found suitable for the dog you’ve applied for, you’ll be asked to sign our adoption agreement, which outlines your commitment to your new family member and clarifies our mutual understanding
Microchip Form: All our dogs are microchipped for their safety and your peace of mind. A microchip registration form will be completed as part of the adoption process, ensuring your contact details are linked to your new dog.
Adoption Requirements: Finding the Perfect Match
To ensure a successful and loving placement for our special needs dogs, we have specific requirements that help us find the best possible home for each individual. Please carefully review these before applying:
Disability/Health Conditions:
Some dogs may require specific care, adaptations, or a home environment equipped to manage their particular health or disability.
Pools:
For the safety of certain dogs, particularly those with visual impairments or mobility challenges, homes with unfenced pools may not be suitable.
Stairs:
Consider the number, type, and accessibility of stairs in your home, especially for amputees, elderly dogs, or those with mobility issues.
Children:
We carefully assess each dog's temperament and history with children on a case-by-case basis to ensure a safe and harmonious environment for everyone.
Other Pets:
We evaluate how well a dog might integrate with existing pets in your home, considering their personalities and past interactions.
Special Requirements:
Some dogs may have unique needs, such as a preference for a quiet home, a specific exercise routine, a securely fenced yard, or specialized training. These will be highlighted in their individual profiles.
Understanding Adoption Fees & Donations
When you adopt from Special Paws, your adoption fee directly contributes to the well-being and comprehensive care of our animals, helping us continue our life-saving work.
Adoption Fee Breakdown:
Your adoption fee helps cover essential care, ensuring your new family member is healthy and ready for their forever home:
Sterilization: All dogs are spayed or neutered before adoption.
Vaccinations: Up-to-date vaccinations for common canine diseases.
Deworming: Regular deworming treatments to keep them healthy.
Tick & Flea Treatment: Comprehensive parasite prevention upon leaving our care.
Microchip: Permanent identification registered in your name for their safety and your peace of mind.
Considering Pet Medical Aid? We strongly recommend exploring pet medical aid options to help manage future veterinary costs. We can provide information on trusted providers who offer comprehensive coverage for special needs animals.
